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How long should a wound drain after surgery?

How long should a wound drain after surgery?

How long does a surgical drain stay on after surgery? In many cases after surgery, the drain is removed when there is less than 30 cubic centimeters (1 ounce) of fluid being drained for two days or when three weeks have passed.

What is the normal drainage after surgery?

Normal wounds have normal drainage—it’s clear or there is a little bit of blood or yellow color. The amount of drainage, and the amount of blood in it, should lessen as the wound heals. Abnormal wounds look angry and have angry drainage. They get worse—more tender, more drainage, more bleeding, more swelling.

How long does it take for a surgical drain to heal?

My patients usually reach that minimum drainage amount around 7 days post op, give or take a few days. I find leaving drains in over 2 weeks can lead to excess scar tissue encasing the drain itself, making it difficult to easily remove; it can also pose an increased risk of infection at the entry site.

How long do wound drains stay in?

Your surgeon will usually remove the bulb when drainage is below 25 ml per day for two days in a row. On average, JP drains can continue to drain for 1 to 5 weeks. Keep a log and bring it to the clinic for discussion so your surgical team can determine the best time to remove the drain.

Why is my incision still draining?

Deeper wounds involving thicker layers of tissue are more likely to produce sanguineous drainage, or thicker red blood. This typically occurs shortly after the wound has formed. If red blood is still draining after several days, it may indicate that there has been further damage to the wound.

How do I know if my surgical drain is infected?

When should you call for help?

  1. You have signs of infection, such as: Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the area. Red streaks leading from the area. Pus draining from the area. A fever.
  2. You see a sudden change in the colour or smell of the drainage.
  3. The tube is coming loose where it leaves your skin.

How painful is drain removal?

– Is drain removal painful? Patients may experience a pulling or pressure sensation, however there is generally no pain experienced during drain removal. Drain removal takes only a few seconds. The stitch securing the drain in place is first removed followed by gentle removal of the drainage tube.

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